Virat Kohli has many fans in Australia, says Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke has heaped praise on Virat Kohli for his tough and competitive spirit stating that the aggressive Indian skipper has fans in Australia for his approach. The 36-year-old has also expressed his happiness for the closure of the pay dispute between the players and the Cricket Australia.

After enjoying a sublime run-of-form in four consecutive series at home, Kohli failed to muster enough steam in the series against Australia in February-March but returned to his best in the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka. While his blip in form gave a chance to all his naysayers to criticize his aggression on the field, his attacking mindset too attracted a lot of eyeballs. Clare, being the latest entrant in the group, drew a similarity between the Indian skipper and his team mates revealing that despite whatever Australian media says, Kohli has a large share of fans Down Under.

“I can't think of any Australian cricketer who wasn't like that every time we walked out on the field. I certainly think there is respect for Virat in Australia. You probably are not going to read the positive stuff (about Virat) in the Australian media though. They all want to write a negative story. But I have a great relationship with him and I think he is respectful," Clarke said, reported Cricbuzz.

“To be honest, he plays the game really tough and is really competitive on the field, but he is a nice guy off the field. So, when people get to know Virat, they realize that what they see on the field is just his competitive spirit,” added the 36-year-old.

The pay dispute between Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association came to an end with a mutual agreement that ensures players will receive up to 30% of the revenue. The agreement came after face-to-face negotiations between the two parties in Melbourne. Clarke also shed some light on the issue and shared his happiness for the deal.

He said, “It is fantastic that the deal has been done and everybody can focus on cricket. Australia will be travelling to Bangladesh very soon and then we come to India and then the Ashes, so it is wonderful that the game can now move forward… think everybody is sick and tired of talking about it and very happy that it's over."

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